2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-ylacetaldehyde fragrance composition

ABSTRACT

Processes and compositions are described for the use in perfume aroma imparting, augmenting, modifying, altering or enhancing compositions and as perfume and perfumed article aroma imparting, modifying, altering and enhancing materials of 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-ylacetaldehyde (hereinafter referred to as &#34;beta-cyclohomocitral&#34;) produced by a process which either (A) comprises the steps of: 
     I. Oxidizing beta-ionone having the formula: ##STR1##  with a peralkanoic acid having the formula: ##STR2##  (wherein R is H, methyl or ethyl) in the presence of buffer and in the absence of dimethyl formamide, to form 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-ylvinylacetate (hereinafter referred to as &#34;beta-ionone enol ester&#34;) having the formula: ##STR3## II. Hydrolyzing said beta-ionone enol ester using a basic hydrolysis agent to form beta-cyclo-homocitral having the structure: ##STR4## or (B) oxidizing beta-ionone with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of inorganic base to form beta-cyclohomocitral, directly. Addition of beta-cyclohomocitral is indicated to produce in perfumes, woody, camphoraceous, green, earthy and rosey notes, or enhance in perfume compositions and perfumed articles, floral (especially rosey) notes.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 507,412, filed on Sept. 19, 1974 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,499 issued on Feb. 24, 1976.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-ylacetaldehyde (or "beta-cyclohomocitral") produced by, interalia, a novel process described and claimed in copending Applications for U.S. Ser. No. 507,414, filed on Sept. 19, 1974 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,393 issued on May 4, 1976 and Ser. No. 594,100 filed on July 8, 1975, and novel compositions using such beta-cyclohomocitral to alter, modify, enhance the aroma of a perfumed composition or a perfumed article or enhance the aroma of a perfumed composition or perfumed article.

There has been considerable work performed relating to substances which can be used to impart, modify, alter or enhance fragrances to (or in) various consumable materials such as perfumed compositions and perfumed articles such as soaps, colognes and detergents. These substances are used to diminish the use of natural materials, some of which may be in short supply and/or to provide more uniform properties in the finished product. Woody, camphoraceous, green, rosey, floral and earthy notes are desirable in several types of perfumed compositions and perfumed articles.

Arctander, "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals", 1969 discloses the use in perfume compositions and flavors of "cyclocitral", "dehydro-beta-cyclocitral", isocyclocitral", "alpha-cyclocitrylidene acetaldehyde" and "beta cyclotrylidene acetaldehyde", thus:

(i) 760 CYCLOCITRAL

Alpha-cyclocitral= (2,2,6-trimethyl-5-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde). beta-cyclocitral= (2,2,6-trimethyl-6-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde). Both isomers are known and have been produced separately. ##STR5## Very rarely offered commercially. These particular cyclocitrals have little or no interest to the creative perfumer, but they have served as part of many pieces of proof that isomers (alpha-beta) do often have different odors."

(ii) "761: iso-CYCLOCITRAL

A mixture of two chemicals: 3,5,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde (meta-cyclocitral). ##STR6## 2,4,6-trimethyl-4-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde (symmetric-iso-cyclocitral). ##STR7## Powerful, and diffusive, foliage-green, "dark" weedy and dry odor, sometimes described as "Flower-shop odor". The earthy and wet-green notes are quite natural in high dilution and resemble the odor of stems from plants and flowers fresh from the soil.

Finds use in perfume compositions where it blends excellently with Oakmoss products (compensates from sweetness and lifts the topnote), with Inonoes (freshness), Geranium "vegetable" notes), etc. . . . "

(iii) "762: alpha CYCLOCITRYLIDENE ACETALDEHYDE ##STR8## Mild, floral-woody, somewhat oily-herbaceous odor, remotely reminiscent of Rose with similarity to the odor of hydrogenated Ionones.

Suggested for use in perfume compositions. It brings a certain amount of floral lift to Rose compositions, and performs fairly well even in soap. However, the cost of the rarely offered and never readily available lots are rather discouraging to the perfumer, and it is most conceivable that this material can be left out of the perfumer's library without any great loss. . . ."

(iv) "763: beta-CYCLOCITRYLIDENE ACETALDEHYDE

2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl-beta-acrolein. ##STR9## Sweet-woody, rather heavy odor, resembling that of beta-Ionone. More fruity than really floral, but not as tenacious as the Ionone.

Suggested for use in perfume compositions, but since it does not offer any new or unusual odor characteristics, and it cannot be produced in economical competition to beta-Ionone, there is little or no chance that it will ever become a standard shelf ingredient for the perfumer. . . ."

(v) "869: DEHYDRO-beta-CYCLOCITRAL (Safranal)

2,6,6-trimethyl-4,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxaldehyde ##STR10## Very powerful, sweet, green-floral and somewhat tobacco-herbaceous odor of good tenacity. In extreme dilution reminiscent of the odor of Safran (Saffron).

Interesting material for fresh topnotes, as a modifier for aldehydric-citrusy notes, as a green-floral topnote in flower fragrances, etc. It blends excellently with the aliphatic Aldehydes, with Oakmoss products and herbaceous oils. . . ."

Safranal and beta-cyclocitral are disclosed as volatile constituents of Greek Tobacco by Kimland et al., Phytochemistry 11 (309) 1972. Beta-cyclocitral is disclosed as a component of Burley Tobacco flavor by Demole and Berthet, Helv. Chim. Acta. 55 Fasc-6, 1866 (1972).

THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that novel perfume compositions and perfumed articles having woody, camphoraceous, green, earthy, floral and rosey notes may be provided by the utilization of beta-cyclohomocitral having the formula: ##STR11## in perfume compositions, perfumed articles and colognes.

The beta-cyclohomocitral so useful, may be produced, preferably, by processes which comprises either (A) a reaction carried out in two steps, the first of which is an oxidation reaction of beta-ionone with either performic acid, peracetic acid or perpropionic acid to form beta-ionone enol ester and, secondly, hydrolyzing the beta-ionone enol ester in the presence of base (either aqueous or alcoholic) to form the desired beta-cyclohomocitral or (B) forming beta-cyclohomocitral by oxidizing beta-ionone with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of inorganic base.

More specifically, the process (A) comprises the steps of:

(i) Reacting beta-ionone having the formula: ##STR12## in the absence of dimethyl formamide with a peralkanoic acid having the formula: ##STR13## (wherein R is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl) to form beta-ionone enol ester having the formula: ##STR14## and not the expected beta-ionone epoxide having one of the formulae: ##STR15##

(ii) hydrolyzing the beta-ionone enol ester in the presence of base (aqueous or alcoholic) to form beta-cyclohomocitral.

Insofar as the oxidation reaction is concerned: (A) where peralkanoic acids are used as the oxidizing agents, the reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a buffer such as an alkali metal salt of a lower alkanoic acid or an alkali metal carbonate with a lower alkanoic acid such as propionic acid, acetic acid or formic acid with the following provisos:

(i) The reaction is preferably carried out at temperatures of from 15° C. up to about 75° C. Lower temperatures result in slower and less complete reaction and higher temperatures than 75° C. result in lower yields of the desired product and significantly higher percentages of by-products. The most preferred temperature of reaction is 25° C.

(ii) A slight molar excess (from 10 up to 15 percent) of peracetic acid gives a slightly higher yield of product. A large excess (about 200 percent), however, results in the formation of dihydroactinodiolide having the structure: ##STR16## in about 30-35 percent yield when no buffer (e.g., potassium acetate) is present in the reaction mass;

(iii) Where potassium carbonate is substituted for potassium acetate as a buffer, the yield of product obtained is substantially the same;

(iv) On the other hand, a slightly lower yield of product is obtained by substituting sodium acetate for potassium acetate as the buffer;

(v) Substitution of formic acid for acetic acid in the reaction mass gives rise to a lower yield of product;

(vi) Any solvent inert to the action of peralkanoic acids may be used in this first oxidation reaction using alkanoic acids. For instance, the use of cyclohexane or chloroform as a solvent does not have an appreciable effect on the yield of product;

(vii) Omission of the buffer (i.e., thus performing the reaction under strongly acidic conditions) results in an incomplete reaction, lower yield and greater quantity of by-product(s);

(viii) The use of dimethyl formamide as solvent results in the exclusive formation of beta-ionone epoxide having the structure: ##STR17## in about 70-75% yield and, accordingly, the presence of dimethyl formamide must be avoided;

(ix) The use of monoperphthalic acid (performed in situ) from phthalic anhydride and hydrogen peroxide) yields beta-ionone epoxide in 60-70 percent yield. The use of perbenzoic acid in place of a peralkanoic acid has also been used to make beta-ionone epoxide R. Yves, et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 29, 880 (1946).

It may be concluded that a peralkanoic acid such as peracetic acid in slight excess in the presence of a buffer system, preferably composed of acetic acid/potassium acetate is the preferred way to oxidize beta-ionone at 25° C. to the corresponding enol acetate.

The beta-ionone enol ester preferably is hydrolyzed by 10 percent alkali metal hydroxide (e.g., potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide) in admixture with 50 percent aqueous methanol, although other mild hydrolysis conditions (such as aqueous potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or lithium carbonate solution) may also be used. As a result of the hydrolysis, beta-cyclohomocitral is formed.

The resultant reaction product, beta-cyclohomocitral may then be refined according to standard techniques, e.g., preparative gas chromatography, extraction, distillation and the like as further exemplified herein.

(B) Where hydrogen peroxide (in the presence of inorganic base) is used as the oxidizing agent, the beta-cyclohomocitral is formed in one step from beta-ionone. The strength of hydrogen peroxide used is from about 10 percent up to about 50 percent. The inorganic base used may be an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, lithium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide; preferably sodium hydroxide. The mole ratio of hydrogen peroxide:beta-ionone is preferably from about 1.1:1 up to about 3:1.

The aforementioned processes are specific to beta-ionone. As further exemplified infra, when the reaction conditions of this process are applied to alpha-ionone, as opposed to beta-ionone, epoxide formation occurs and neither a substantial amount of enol acetate nor isomers of beta-cyclohomocitral are formed.

The 2,2,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-ylacetaldehyde (or beta-cyclohomocitral) of our invention is capable of supplying, modifying, altering or enhancing certain fragrance notes usually lacking in many perfumery materials for example, petitgrain fragrances, floral fragrances and rose fragrances.

As used herein, the terms "alter" and "modify" in their various forms means "supplying or imparting fragrance character or note to other wise bland, relatively odorless substances or augmenting the existing aroma characteristic where aroma is deficient in some regard or supplementing the existing aroma impression to modify its quality, character or odor".

As used herein, the term "enhance" is intended to mean the intensification (without alteration "in kind") of an aroma note or nuance which is already existant in the organoleptic impression of a given perfume composition or perfumed article or cologne.

The beta-cyclohomocitral and one or more auxiliary perfume ingredients, including, for example, alcohols, aldehydes, nitriles, esters, cyclic esters, and natural essential oils, may be admixed so that the combined odors of the individual components produce a pleasant and desired fragrance, particularly and preferably in floral fragrances, rosey fragrances, muguet fragrances or petitgrain fragrances. Such perfume compositions usually contain (a) the main note or the "bouquet" or foundation stone of the composition; (b) modifiers which round off and accompany the main note; (c) fixatives which include odorous substances which lend a particular note to the perfume throughout all stages of evaporation and substances which retard evaporation; and (d) topnotes which are usually low boiling fresh smelling materials.

In perfume compositions, the individual components which contribute its particular olfactory characteristics, but the over-all effect of the perfume composition will be the sum of the effects of each of the ingredients. Thus, the beta-cyclohomocitral can be used to alter the aroma characteristics of a perfume composition, for example, by utilizing or moderating the olfactory reaction contributed by another ingredient in the composition.

The amount of beta-cyclohomocitral of our invention which will be effective in perfume compositions depends on many factors, including the other ingredients, their amounts and the effects which are desired. It has been found that perfume compositions containing as little as 0.1% of beta-cyclohomocitral or less (e.g., 0.05%) can be used to impart earthy, woody, green, floral and rose notes to soaps, cosmetics and other products. In addition, it has been found that such perfume compositions containing as little as 0.05% of beta-cyclohomocitral can be used to alter, modify or enhance earthy, woody, green, floral and rose notes already present in soaps, cosmetics and other products. The amount employed can range up to 10% of the fragrance components and will depend on considerations of cost, nature of end product, the effect desired on the finished product and the particular fragrance sought.

The beta-cyclohomocitral is useful, taken alone or in perfume compositions as an olfactory component in detergents and soaps, space odorants and deodorants, perfumes, colognes, toilet water, bath preparations, such as bath oils and bath solids; hair preparations such as lacquers, brilliantines, pomades and shampoos; cosmetic preparations such as creams, deodorants, hand lotions and sun screens powders such as talcs, dusting powders, face powders and the like. As little as 1% of beta-cyclohomocitral will suffice to impart a green, earthy note to petitgrain formulations. As little as 4% of beta-cyclohomocitral will suffice to impart or enhance a rosey note in floral or muguet formulations. Generally, no more than 10% of beta-cyclohomocitral based on the ultimate end product is required in the perfume composition.

In addition, the perfume composition or fragrance composition of our invention can contain a vehicle or carrier for the beta-cyclohomocitral. The vehicle can be a liquid such as a non-toxic alcohol (e.g., ethanol), a non-toxic glycol (e.g., propylene glycol) and/or a non-toxic ester (e.g., diethyl phthalate or the like). The carrier can also be an absorbent solid such as a gum (e.g. gum arabic) or components for encapsulating the composition (such as gelatin).

Examples I-VIII, X, XIV, XVI, XXIII and XXIV, following, serve to illustrate the processes for producing beta-cyclohomocitral useful in our invention. Example IX, following, serves to illustrate the unworkability of this process where dimethyl formamide is used in the oxidation reaction of beta-ionone with peracetic acid. Example III, serves to illustrate the unworkability of the reaction where no buffer, e.g., sodium acetate is used. Examples XI-XIII, XVII-XIX and XXV-XXXIII illustrate the utility of beta-cyclohomocitral as claimed herein. Example XV illustrates the unworkability of the above process in forming alpha-ionone enol ester when operated on alpha-ionone rather than beta-ionone.

It will be understood that these Examples are illustrative and invention isto be considered restricted thereto only as indicated in the appended claims. All parts and percentages given herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE I A. Production of Beta-Ionone Enol Ester from Beta-Ionone

Into a two liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, reflux condenser, addition funnel and cooling bath, the following materials are added:

(i) Solution of 96 grams beta-ionone in 300 cc chloroform;

(ii) 30 grams sodium acetate

95 Grams of 40 percent peracetic acid is then added with cooling, slowly at10° C. during a period of one hour. The reaction mass is stirred at 10° C. for an additional hour and the solution is then allowed to slowly warm up to room temperature. The reaction mass is then poured into one liter of water and the resultant organic and aqueous phases are separated. The aqueous phase is then extracted with 100 cc of chloroform and the resultant organic phases are then bulked. The solvent is evaporated from the organic phase to yield 99.5 grams of an oil which is then chromatographed on 1,000 grams of alumina deactivated with 5% w/w water and eluted as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Fraction                                                                              Volume of Solvent                                                                             Quantity of Solute Eluted                                ______________________________________                                         1      750 cc hexane   8.0 grams                                               2      500 cc hexane  31.7 grams                                               3      300 cc hexane  13.5 grams                                               4      250 cc hexane   7.0 grams                                               5      250 cc hexane   1.9 grams                                               6      250 cc hexane   1.6 grams                                               7      600 cc 25% diethyl                                                                            15.6 grams                                                      ether-75% hexane                                                        8      600 cc diethyl ether                                                                          15.3 grams                                               ______________________________________                                    

Fractions 1-4 are composed mainly of beta-ionone enol ester.

The spectral data for a purified sample of this material obtained by preparative gas chromatography confirm the structure: ##STR18##The mass spectrum of this compound has the following fragmentation pattern,in decreasing order of ion abundance:

m/e 166 (100), 151 (81), 43 (30), 208 (30) (molecular ion) and 90 (18).

The infrared spectrum shows the following characteristic absorption bands (cm⁻ ¹):

    ______________________________________                                          3090                                                                          1752       CO (vinyl ester)                                                    1650       CC (conjugated with oxygen)                                         1360 1380                                                                      1365       CH.sub.3##                                                          1215                                                                           1080       CO (of the ester)                                                     930                                                                                      ##STR21##                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The NMR spectrum exhibits in CDCl₃ solution the following proton absorptions (chemical shifts in ppm):

    ______________________________________                                         Pom    Multiplicity                                                                             Assignment      No. of Protons                                ______________________________________                                         1.00   (s)                                                                                       ##STR22##        6H                                          1.70-1.40                                                                             (m)       CH.sub.2                                                                                          7H                                         1.76   (s)       CCH.sub.3                                                     2.00   (t)       CCH.sub.2         2H                                          2.16   (s)                                                                                      3H#STR23##                                                    5.86 and                                                                              (m)       Olefinic protons  2H                                          7.20                                                                           ______________________________________                                    

B. Hydrolysis to Form Beta-Cyclohomocitral from Beta-Ionone Enol Ester

Beta-ionone enol ester (60.2 grams from Fractions 1-4 produced in Part A) is added to 280 cc of 10 percent potassium hydroxide solution (in a 50:50 water:methanol mixture at room temperature and stirred for a period of 30 minutes. Water 1,000 cc is added to the reaction mass which is then extracted with three 250 cc portions of diethyl ether. The combined ether extract is washed twice with two 100 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to obtain 53 grams of an oil, beta-cyclohomocitral.

The crude beta-cyclohomocitral is distilled at 2mm Hg pressure and the fraction boiling at 70°-80° C. is collected (35.6g).

Gas chromatographic analysis indicates that the product is about 85% pure. A pure sample of beta-cyclohomocitral is obtained by preparative chromatography (conditions: 10 '× 1/4 " 10% carbowax 20M- packed stainless steel column at 220° C. isothermal) and is characterised by the following analytical data as: ##STR24##

Mass spectral fragmentation, in decreasing order of ion abundance:

m/e (%) 107(100); 29(93); 151(90); 41(88); 81(80); 95(67); 123(57); 55(45);39(45); 27(43); 166(Mol ion) (35).

The infrared spectrum shows the following characteristic absorption bands (cm⁻ ¹):

    ______________________________________                                         2760                                                                           1770           CO (unconjugated)                                                  1380, 1360                                                                  1375           CH.sub.3##                                                      ______________________________________                                    

The NMR spectrum of the compound is in agreement with the above structure:

    ______________________________________                                         (PPM)  Multiplicity                                                                             Assignment      No. of Protons                                ______________________________________                                         0.98   (s)                                                                                       ##STR27##      6H                                            1.58   (s)       CCH.sub.3                                                     1.80-1.42                                                                             (m)       CH.sub.2        9H                                            2.00   (t)                                                                                      2H#STR28##                                                    9.58   (t)       HCO             1H                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES II-X

The following examples, carried out using the same procedure as Example I, illustrate the results which occur when parameters of the oxidation reaction of beta-ionone with peracetic acid are varied, e.g., as to buffer, solvent, temperature presence of organic base and ratio of organicalkanoic acid to peracetic acid. The percentages given are obtained by gas chromatographic analyses of the reaction mixture after 30 minutes and do not represent yields of isolated material.

    ______________________________________                                                                          Reactants and                                 Example                                                                               % Enol  % Starting                                                                               % By-   Reaction                                      No.    Ester   Material  Products                                                                               Conditions                                    ______________________________________                                         II     47      24        29      Acetic acid-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Sodium acetate                                                                 (20 g) Beta-                                                                   ionone-(30 g)                                                                  40% peracetic                                                                  acid-(30 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C.                                 III    12      52        36      Acetic acid-                                                                   (150 g)                                                                        Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid-(30 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C.                                 IV     40      29        31      Cyclohexane-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Sodium acetate-                                                                (20 g)                                                                         Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid (30 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C                                  V      52      26        22      Acetic acid-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Potassium ace-                                                                 tate (35 g)                                                                    Beta ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid (30 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C                                  VI     31      30        39      Formic acid-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Potassium                                                                      acetate-(50 g)                                                                 Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid (30 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C                                  VII    49      6         45      Acetic acid-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Potassium                                                                      acetate-(35 g)                                                                 Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% Peracetic                                                                  acid (33 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   25° C:                                 VIII   36      21        43      Acetic acid-                                                                   (150 cc)                                                                       Potassium                                                                      acetate-(35 g)                                                                 Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% Peracetic                                                                  acid-(33 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   50° C                                  XI     0       9         91      Dimethyl forma-                                                        Beta-ionone                                                                            mide (150 cc)                                                          epoxide Beta-ionone-                                                                   (30 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid-(33 g)                                                                    Temperature:                                                                   4 days at a tem-                                                               perature of 18° C.                     X      55      17        28      Acetic acid-                                                                   (450 cc)                                                                       Potassium acetate-                                                             (105 g)                                                                        Beta-ionone-                                                                   (96 g)                                                                         40% peracetic                                                                  acid-(105 g)                                                                   Temperature:                                                                   25° C.                                 ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE XI Petitgrain Formulation

The following mixture is prepared:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredients         Parts by Weight                                            ______________________________________                                         Betacyclohomocitral                                                            prepared according to the                                                      process of Example I                                                                               20                                                         Linalool            500                                                        Linalyl Acetate     600                                                        Dimethyl Anthranilate                                                                              2                                                          Terpineol           20                                                         Geraniol            30                                                         Terpinyl Acetate    10                                                         Geranyl Acetate     5                                                          Ocimene             20                                                         Limonene            50                                                         Pinene              20                                                         Nerolidol           10                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The beta-cyclohomocitral imparts the green, earthy note of petitgrain required in such petitgrain formulations.

EXAMPLE XII Preparation of a Soap Composition

100 grams of soap chips are mixed with one gram of the perfume composition of Example XI until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. The perfumed soap composition manifests an excellent petitgrain character with excellent green earthy notes.

EXAMPLE XIII Preparation of a Detergent Composition

A total of 100 grams of detergent powder is mixed with 0.15 grams of the perfume composition of Example XI, until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. This composition has an excellent petitgrain aroma with earthy green notes.

EXAMPLE XIV Preparation of Beta-Cyclohomocitral by H₂ O₂ Peroxidation of Beta-Ionone

To 20 grams of beta-ionone in 100 ml methanol is added 12 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide. The solution is then cooled to 15° C. and 18 ml 6 molar aqueous sodium hydroxide is added over a period of 30 minutes while maintaining the reaction mixture at 15° C. The reaction mixture is then allowed to warm up to 30° C. and then maintained at30° C. with external cooling. The exotherm lasts approximately 60 minutes. Examination of the reaction product by gas chromatography indicates that some beta-ionone is still present. An additional 12 ml of 30% H₂ O₂ and 18 ml 6 molar aqueous NaOH are added during a 30-minute period while maintaining the temperature at 25° C. Again an exotherm occurs lasting approximately 60 minutes during which time the temperature is maintained at 30° C. The reaction mass is then poured into excess water (500 ml) and the product is then extracted with three 150 ml portions of diethyl ether. The combined ether extracts are then washed with two 150 ml portions of saturated sodium chloride solutionand dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. The solvent is then evaporated to yield 16.8 grams of a crude oil.

Examination of this material by gas chromatography indicates 22% beta-cyclohomocitral.

The desired product is obtained by preparative gas chromatography (conditions: 10 '× 1/4 "10% Carbowax 20 M packed stainless steel column at 220° C. isothermal).

The structure is confirmed by IR, MS and NMR analyses as being: ##STR29##

EXAMPLE XV Formation of Alpha-Ionone Epoxide from Alpha-Ionone

Into a 500 ml flask equipped with thermometer, stirrer, addition funnel andreflux condenser, the following materials are placed in the following order:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredients          Amount                                                    ______________________________________                                         Acetic Acid          150 cc                                                    Potassium Acetate     35 grams                                                 Alpha-Ionone          30 grams                                                 ______________________________________                                    

33 grams of 40% peracetic acid is then added dropwise into the reaction mass with stirring at 25° C. over a 45-minute period. The reaction mass exotherms for approximately 1 hour and is then allowed to remain at room temperature for a period of 15 hours.

The reaction mass is then poured into 500 ml water and the product is extracted with three 150 cc portions of diethyl ether. The ether extracts are combined and washed with two 100 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The residualoil obtained after stripping the solvent, is distilled at 93°-99° C. at 0.5 mm Hg pressure yielding 28.3 g of a clean colorless liquid.

IR, MS and NMR analyses confirm the fact that the product is alpha-ionone epoxide having the structure: ##STR30##

EXAMPLE XVI Production of Beta-Cyclohomocitral

Into a two liter reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, addition funnel and cooling bath, the following materials are placed in the following order;

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredients            Amounts                                                 ______________________________________                                         Acetic Acid            450 cc                                                  Potassium Acetate      150 g                                                   Beta-Ionone             96 g                                                   ______________________________________                                    

105 grams of 40% peracetic acid is then added dropwise to the reaction masswith cooling while maintaining the reaction mass at 25° C.+2°C. over a two-hour period. The reaction mass is then stirred for an additional three-hour period (during the first hour a slight exotherm occurs) at 25° C.

The reaction mass is then poured into 1,000 ml water and the resultant product is extracted with three 300 cc volumes of diethyl ether. The etherextracts are combined and washed with two 150 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution. The resultant washed ether extract is then evaporated whereby 118 grams of residual oil is obtained.

400 cc of 10% potassium hydroxide solution (50:50 mixture, water:methanol) is prepared and the 118 grams of residual oil obtained above is added thereto. The resultant solution warms up slightly and is stirred for a period of 45 minutes.

The solution is then poured into 500 ml water and the product is extracted with three 250 cc portions of diethyl ether. The diethyl ether extract is then washed with two 200 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to obtain 89 grams of a crude oil. This crude oil is distilled through a vigreaux distillation column at 70°-75° C. and 2.0 mm Hg pressure to obtain 40.2 grams of a compound having the structure: ##STR31##as confirmed by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass (MS) spectra.

EXAMPLE XVII Preparation of a Cosmetic-Powder Composition

A cosmetic powder is prepared by mixing in a ball mill, 100 g of talcum powder with 0.25 g of beta-cyclohomocitral prepared according to Example XVI. It has an excellent woody, green, earthy aroma with a rosey nuance.

EXAMPLE XVIII Perfumed Liquid Detergent

Concentrated liquid detergents with a woody, green, earthy odor are prepared containing 0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20% of beta-cyclohomocitral prepared according to Example XVI. They are prepared by adding and homogeneously mixing the appropriate quantity of beta-cyclohomocitral in the liquid detergent. The detergents all possess a woody, green, earthy fragrance with rosey nuances, the intensity increasing with greater concentrations of beta-cyclohomocitral.

EXAMPLE XIX Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume

Beta-cyclohomocitral prepared according to the process of Example XVI is incorporated in a cologne at a concentration of 2.5% in 85% aqueous ethanol; and into a handkerchief perfume at a concentration of 20% (in 95%aqueous ethanol). A distinct and definite woody, green, earthy fragrance with a rosey nuance is imparted to the cologne and to the handkerchief perfume.

EXAMPLE XX Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume

The composition of Example XI is incorporated in a cologne at a concentration of 2.5% in 85% aqueous ethanol; and into a handkerchief perfume at a concentration of 20% (in 95% aqueous ethanol). The use of thebeta-cyclohomocitral in the composition of Example XI affords a distinct and definite strong petitgrain aroma with earthy and green notes to the handkerchief perfume and cologne.

EXAMPLE XXI Preparation of a Soap Composition

One hundred grams of soap chips are mixed with one gram of beta-cyclohomocitral until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. The perfumed soap composition manifests an excellent woody, green and earthy aroma with a rosey nuance.

EXAMPLE XXII Preparation of a Detergent Composition

A total of 100 g of a detergent powder is mixed with 0.15 g of the beta-cyclohomocitral of Example XVI until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. This composition has an excellent woody, green, earthy aroma with a rosey nuance.

EXAMPLE XXIII

Perpropionic acid is prepared in the following manner. A mixture of the following materials:

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR32##                                                                      ##STR33##                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

is allowed to stand for 20 hours at room temperature.

The following reactants are placed in a 500 ml reaction flask equipped witha stirrer and cooling bath:

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR34##                                                                      ##STR35##                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

To the stirred Mixture B is added, dropwise, Mixture A over a 60-minute period while maintaining the reaction temperature at 25° C.± 2° C. by means of external cooling. When the addition is complete the reaction mixture is stirred for an additional 2 hours at 25° C.

The reaction mixture is then poured into 1,000 ml water and extracted twicewith 250 ml portions of diethyl ether. The combined ether extracts are thenwashed first with water (three 100 ml portions) and then with a saturated solution of sodium chloride (150 ml). The ether solution is then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent evaporated to yield 78 g of crude oil containing propionic acid as well as product. The crude product is hydrolyzed with a solution of 40 g potassium carbonate in 300 ml of water by heating under reflux, with stirring, for 15 hours. After cooling the organic layer is collected and the aqueous layer is extracted with 200 ml of diethyl ether. After combining the organic materials the solvent is removed by evaporation of yield 57.5 g of oil which is distilled to yield 19.5 g of beta-cyclohomocitral. (Yield: 37%).

EXAMPLE XXIV

Performic acid is prepared in the following manner: 20 g 50% hydrogen peroxide and 80 ml of formic acid is admixed and the reaction mass is leftat room temperature for 1.5 hours.

To a mixture consisting of 50 g of potassium acetate, 70 ml of acetic acid and 30 g of beta-ionone is added the preformed performic acid, prepared asdescribed above, dropwise over a 30 minute period while maintaining the temperature of the stirred reaction mass at 25° C. by means of external cooling. After the addition is complete, the mixture is stirred for a further 90 minutes at 25° C. and is then poured into 800 ml of water. The product is extracted with two 200 ml portions of diethyl ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with two 150 ml portions ofsaturated sodium chloride solution and then dried. Removal of the solvent by evaporation yields 32.5 g crude oil.

A gas chromatographic analysis of this material shows the following compositions: ##STR36##

The following mixture is prepared:

20 g Lithium carbonate

200 ml 50% aqueous methanol

To this is added the crude enol ester product obtained as described above. The mixture is then heated at 65°-79° C. until substantiallycomplete hydrolysis of the enol ester to beta-cyclohomocitral as indicated by gas chromatographic analysis. Water is added to the reaction mass whichis then extracted with three 100 cc portions of diethyl ether. The combinedether extracts are washed twice with two 100 cc portions of saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to obtain an oil, beta-cyclohomocitral.

The crude is distilled at 2 mm Hg pressure and the fraction boiling at 70°-80° C. is collected.

Gas chromatographic analysis indicates that the product is about 85% pure. A pure sample of beta-cyclohomocitral is obtained by preparative chromatography and is characterised by the following analytical data as: ##STR37##

Mass spectral fragmentation, in decreasing order of ion abundance:

m/e (%) 107(100); 29(93); 151(90); 41(88); 81(80); 95(67); 123(57); 55(45);39(45); 27(43); 166Mol ion) (35).

Infrared spectrum shows characteristic absorption at:

    ______________________________________                                         2760 cm.sup.-.sup.1                                                                            1770 cm.sup.-.sup.1 C O (unconjugated)                         1380, 1360 cm.sup.-.sup.1                                                                      1375 cm.sup..sup.-1 CH.sub.3                                   ______________________________________                                    

The NMR spectrum of the compound is in agreement with the above structure:

    ______________________________________                                         (PPM)  Multiplicity                                                                             Assignment      No. of Protons                                ______________________________________                                         0.98   (s)                                                                                      6H#STR40##                                                    1.58   (s)       CCH.sub.3                                                                                        9H                                          1.80-1.42                                                                             (m)       CH.sub.2                                                      2.00   (t)                                                                                      2H#STR41##                                                    9.58   (t)       HCO               1H                                          ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE XXV Muguet Perfume Formulation

The following formulation is prepared:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient             Parts by Weight                                         ______________________________________                                         Indole                 2                                                       Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde                                                                               400                                                     Rhodinol               40                                                      Terpineol              30                                                      Tetrahydro-3-pentyl-pyran-4-ylacetate                                                                 10                                                      Cinnamyl Acetate       5                                                       4(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-                                     1-carboxaldehyde       20                                                      Hydroxy Citronellal    280                                                     Violet Leaves Absolute (10% in                                                 diethyl phthalate      4                                                       Phenyl ethyl alcohol   45                                                      Tetrahydromuguol       20                                                      n-Undecylenic Aldehyde (10% in diethyl                                         phthalate              5                                                       n-decanal (10% in diethyl phthalate)                                                                  5                                                       n-nonanal (10% in diethyl phthalate)                                                                  4                                                       Benzyl acetate         10                                                      Dimethyl Phenyl Ethyl Carbinol                                                                        10                                                      p-t-butyl-alpha-methyl-hydrocinnamic                                           aldehyde               4                                                       Methyl Cinnamate (10% in diethyl                                               phthalate)             2                                                       Benzyl Cinnamate       4                                                                              940                                                     ______________________________________                                    

40 parts by weight of a 10% solution of beta-cyclohomocitral (prepared according to the process of Example XXIV) in diethyl phthalate is added tothe above formulation. The beta-cyclohomocitral improves the floral nuance of this formulation by significantly increasing the rosey character of this muguet fragrance.

In another experiment, 80 parts by weight of a 10% solution of beta-cyclohomocitral (prepared according to the process of Example XXIV) in diethyl phthalate is added to the above muguet formulation. The beta-cyclohomocitral markedly improves the floral nuance of the compound by increasing, significantly, its rosey character.

EXAMPLE XXVI Floral Perfume Formulation

The following floral formulation is prepared:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredients            Parts by Weight                                         ______________________________________                                         Lavendar Barreme       60                                                      Linalool               370                                                     Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol   500                                                     Benzyl acetate         120                                                     Linalyl Acetate        520                                                     Hydroxy Citronellal    600                                                     4(4-hydroxy-4-methylphentyl)-3-                                                cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde                                                                          100                                                     Eugenol                230                                                     Alpha isomethyl ionone 1000                                                    Sandalwood Oil         120                                                     Ylang Oil              50                                                      Musk Ambrette          100                                                     Benzyl Salicylate      1350                                                    6-oxa-1,1,2,3,3,8-hexametal-2,3,5,6,7,8-                                       hexahydro-1H-Benze[f]-indene prepared                                          according to the process of Example XV                                         of U.S. Pat. No. 3,360,530                                                     (50% in diethyl -phthalate                                                                            550                                                     4'-t-butyl-2',6'-dimethyl-3',5'-                                               dinitro acetophenone   450                                                     p-t-butyl-alpha-methyl-hydrocinnamic                                           aldehyde               20                                                      diethyl phthalate      90                                                                             6230                                                    ______________________________________                                    

35 parts by weight of a 10% solution (diethyl phthalate) of beta-cyclohomocitral (prepared according to the process of Example XXIV) is added to this formulation. The beta-cyclohomocitral creates a rosey effect in this floral formulation. The rosey effect is significantly improved by adding another 35 parts by weight of 10% (in diethyl phthalate) of beta-cyclohomocitral. The rosey effect is further improved slightly by addition of another 35 parts by weight of 10% (in diethyl phthalate) of beta-cyclohomocitral produced according to Example XXIV.

EXAMPLE XXVII Preparation of a Soap Composition

100 grams of soap chips are mixed with one gram of the perfume composition of Example XXV until a substantial homogeneous composition is obtained. The perfumed soap composition manifests an excellent muguet character withexcellent floral notes.

EXAMPLE XXVIII Preparation of a Detergent Composition

A total of 100 grams of detergent powder is mixed with 0.15 grams of the perfume composition of Example XXV, until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. This composition has an excellent muguet aroma with floral notes.

EXAMPLE XXIX Preparation of a Cologne and Handkerchief Perfume

The composition of Example XXVI is incorporated in a cologne at a concentration of 2.5% in 85% aqueous ethanol; and into a handkerchief perfume a concentration of 20% (in 95% aqueous ethanol). A distinct and definite strong rosey aroma is imparted to the cologne and to the handkerchief perfume.

EXAMPLE XXX Rose Fragrance

The following rose formulation is prepared:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredients         Parts by Weight                                            ______________________________________                                         Rhodinol            270.0                                                      Nerol               90.0                                                       Linalool            30.0                                                       Terpineol           30.0                                                       Phenyl ethyl alcohol                                                                               12.0                                                       Terpinenol          5.0                                                        Linalyl acetate     1.5                                                        Citronellyl acetate 15.0                                                       Geranyl acetate     10.0                                                       Eugenol             30.0                                                       Citral              15.0                                                       Phenyl ethyl acetate                                                                               20.0                                                       Rose Oxide          8.0                                                        Guaicol             30.0                                                       Citronellyl         93.0                                                       Neryl acetate       3.0                                                        Clove bud oil       1.0                                                        Cadinene            2.0                                                        Guaiene             1.0                                                        French gum turpentine                                                                              12.0                                                       Alpha pinene        1.0                                                        Myrcene purified    5.0                                                        Limonene            2.0                                                        p-cymene            1.0                                                                            687.5                                                      ______________________________________                                    

30 parts by weight of a 0.1% solution of beta-cyclohomocitral (in diethyl phthalate) is added to a portion of the foregoing formulation. The formulation which contains the beta-cyclohomocitral is a much brighter rose top note as compared to the formulation without said beta-cyclohomocitral.

EXAMPLE XXXI Preparation of a Soap Composition

100 grams of soap chips are mixed with 1 gram of the perfume composition ofExample XXX until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. The perfumed soap composition manifests an excellent rose character.

EXAMPLE XXXII Preparation of a Detergent Composition

A total of 100 grams of detergent powder is mixed with 0.15 grams of the perfumed composition of Example XXX until a substantially homogeneous composition is obtained. This composition has an excellent rose aroma.

EXAMPLE XXXIII Preparation of a Cosmetic Powder Composition

A cosmetic powder is prepared by mixing in a ball mill, 100 grams of talcumpowder with 0.25 grams of the perfumed formulation of Example XXX. The resulting powder has an excellent rosey aroma. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fragrance modifying composition consisting essentially of from 0.05% up to 10% by weight of said composition of 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-ylacetaldehyde having the structure: ##STR42## and the remainder of said fragrance modifying composition being at least one auxiliary perfume ingredient organoleptically compatible with and non-reactive with said 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-ylacetaldehyde.
 2. A cologne consisting essentially of at least 2.5% by weight of 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-ylacetaldehyde having the structure: ##STR43## the remainder of said composition being ethanol and water, the weight ratio of ethanol:water being 85:15. 